Handbook on Ski-Touring and Glacier Ski-ing. Ski Club of Great Britain and the Alpine Ski Club. Second edition completely revised, 1961. 97 pages. Price 4s6d.

The two British clubs responsible for this useful, compact, well organized book have rendered a double service to the cause of ski touring in the mountains. Throughout there are suggestions and admonitions in the interest of safety. There is also much practical advice on making trips into the mountains as enjoyable as possible for all of the party.

For a people who live in a land where the mountains are of modest size, the snow of limited abundance, and glaciers non-existant, the British have not only a great record of mountaineering accomplishments but also have had an extraordinary influence on skiing, both competitive and recreational. Through British persistance and persuasiveness, the Alpine forms of ski racing were finally granted recognition as international competitions; and the British, having been among the first to tour into the high mountains in the winter, are still among the leaders in promoting and participating in this most rewarding form of the ski sport.

It is to be expected that a book on this subject would be largely concerned with the many aspects of safety; weather, snow, clothing and equipment, route finding, avalanches, crevasses and cornices, and leadership responsibilities, as well as with emergency doctrine, first aid, and the transport of injured persons. This is a sine qua non, but the purpose of a mountain trip is enjoyment, and on this score the text is larded with much practical advice, quite evidently from well experienced people.

The book is especially valuable to trip leaders, even foot-bound. Although they may well be acquainted with most of the facts and figures given, as a check list in planning and leading, and in emergencies it should prove most useful.

As the Handbook is intended to be a rucksack vade mecum, it might well be bound a little more securely, and with water-resistant, plastic-coated covers. It is hoped that the good advice in this book will prevent some accidents and increase the enjoyment of many a ski-touring party member.

Roland Palmedo